BTD, why is that sad? I agree that the cost for this event is pretty large (out of my league), but this is the Mouse we're talking about now, and its a 50 Year Anniversary. I'm guessing the serious ETR collector would love nothing more than to say they attended this exclusive event, purchased/invested in some art, and made a day out of it all.

On 2013-03-01 21:39, bigtikidude wrote:The Reason its sad is...
the only reason that Disney can charge what they do for stuff is the fanaticism
that some people have for their stuff/events.
stop clamoring for it, and the prices will drop.

Jeff(btd)

The same could be said for say....a limited edition tiki mug, or perhaps a weekend tiki gathering? Many fans of all that is Disney are the same as any social "clique" (Such as say...TC?) as they want to have the cool stuff. Also, if we are to bash Disney for their "Corporate Greed", should we not also condemn the artists who provide the items? One could say Disney is helping support their endeavors..... no? I for one support ALL the high prices, as my Disney stock is up over 40% in the last year!

On 2013-03-01 21:39, bigtikidude wrote:The Reason its sad is...
the only reason that Disney can charge what they do for stuff is the fanaticism
that some people have for their stuff/events.
stop clamoring for it, and the prices will drop.

Jeff(btd)

The same could be said for say....a limited edition tiki mug, or perhaps a weekend tiki gathering? Many fans of all that is Disney are the same as any social "clique" (Such as say...TC?) as they want to have the cool stuff. Also, if we are to bash Disney for their "Corporate Greed", should we not also condemn the artists who provide the items? One could say Disney is helping support their endeavors..... no? I for one support ALL the high prices, as my Disney stock is up over 40% in the last year!

aquaorama, Respectfully none of these events you mention above, charge you $85 just to get in the door
for a random chance to buy those collectibles (plus an additional $185 to hang out and have cocktails with Shag)
as a matter of fact it is free to shop at "Tiki Oasis", "Tiki Caliente" in the daytime (not counting parking) as is with most mug releases etc.

At the very least Disney can do is include a visit to the park, I say this is a big cash grab.

Why is the "Rongo" bowl called "Rongo"? That doesn't make any sense. That bowl is clearly a Polynesian Village item. That's all the way over in Florida! The bowl is covered in those Polynesian Village logos, and the bottom of the bowl in lined with Walt Disney World 70's logos. And this is being sold at the Enchanted Tiki Room anniversary? AND they are calling it the name of a Disneyland-specific Enchanted Tiki Room tiki that doesn't even exist in Florida's attraction? (maybe at the Polynesian, but I don't see his image anywhere on this bowl).
OK, rant is done. Just had to get it off my chest...
Louis _________________"Even though your body will shrink, your mind will expand!"

I too think that Disney primarily has a money machine mentality. Every now and then, something cool slips through, but they don't understand why its cool - just that it makes money. Much of the previous Tiki Room stuff was cool. Trader Sam's is cool. Great. But that doesn't mean they "got" Tiki. I have it from an undisclosed source that the new person in Collectables is fine example of said money mentality, and the approach to the upcoming event seems to reflect that.

Of course, everybody is entirely free to decide where to put their money. It is all about what it is worth to YOU.

If this is ALL the 50th event merchandise, I'll go back to relishing my 45th merchandise! WOW! I'll be STUNNED if this is all the items they come up with! For example; the WONDERFUL tiki fountain they made is GREAT! The only items for me that are inticing to buy are the mugs and the Jumbo tree pin in the box!